April 18, 2026

Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart is making the start at second base and will hit cleanup for the Reds for Saturday's ballgame against the hosting Minnesota Twins and right-hander Taj Bradley at Target Field, according to MLB.com. The slumping Matt McLain will get the day off after starting with a .183 average (13-for-71) in 20 games. With Stewart moving over to the keystone, the left-handed-hitting Nathaniel Lowe will draw into the starting lineup at first base. It remains to be seen if Stewart will play enough to gain eligibility at second base in 2026, but if he does, it would be another big boost to an already dynamic young slugger. The 22-year-old former first-rounder in 2022 has been one of the best hitters in baseball through the first couple of weeks of the 2026 season, as he enters Saturday's game in the Twin Cities with a .300/.405/.657 slash line, 1.062 OPS, seven home runs, 17 RBI, 14 runs scored, and even four stolen bases in 70 at-bats. Stewart has been a hot waiver-wire pickup and is now rostered in 89% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 18, 2026

Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White is trending up in dynasty leagues after his recent change of scenery. Following four seasons in Tampa Bay, White left for the Commanders in free agency. It was an understandable move, as White went from tallying 1,500+ yards in 2023 (RB4 in PPR leagues) to operating as the Bucs' backup running back in 2024 (RB22) and 2025 (RB32). White won't have the backfield all to himself in Washington, but he also won't face the same level of competition that Bucky Irving presented in Tampa Bay. White will use this summer to try to win the lead-back role over Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who was promising in his own regard with 4.6 YPC and eight touchdowns as a rookie last year. Croskey-Merritt was essentially a non-factor in the receiving game last year. That's where White thrives, so at the very least, he should be the primary passing-down back. He'll need to earn the rushing attempts, but that's not such an extreme ask given that he has 4.3 YPC and 13 total touchdowns over the last two seasons. White can be a low-end RB1 in an every-down role. In all likelihood, though, he'll end up as a low-end RB2 or high-end RB3 while sharing some of his volume with Croskey-Merritt. Still, that's a nice boost from his RB32 finish in 2025, so dynasty managers would be wise to send out trade offers for White in anticipation of his bounce-back campaign.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Jesper Wallstedt gets the start in goal for the Minnesota Wild on Saturday evening against the Dallas Stars. Wallstedt has been the better of the two Wild goaltenders during the 2025-26 season. In 33 games started, the 23-year-old has a record of 18-9-6. He has four shutouts with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. Wallstedt allowed two goals or fewer in eight of his final nine starts while posting a .930 save percentage since the trade deadline. The goaltender has a solid .830 high danger save percentage and Dallas scores more high danger goals than anyone in the league. --Chris Wassel - RotoBaller
Source: Michael Russo

April 18, 2026

Free agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs remains unsigned as we head into the back half of April. Diggs was cut loose after one season with the New England Patriots, during which he caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. He ranked as the overall WR17 in PPR leagues, which was an improvement from when he missed nine games in 2024. However, it was still a significant drop-off from his four-year stint in Buffalo, where he was a top-10 fantasy receiver every year. Coming off a 1,000-yard season, it's a little surprising we haven't heard more about Diggs' free agent market. Perhaps at this point in the offseason, NFL teams are waiting to see how the draft unfolds before deciding whether to make a big free agency addition. Presumably, we'll see some more chatter about potential landing spots for Diggs when the 2026 NFL Draft concludes one week from today.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) doesn't have a direct path to fantasy relevance in dynasty leagues. Benson was once viewed as the running back of the future in Arizona after the Cardinals selected him with a third-round pick. However, James Conner was healthy and productive in 2024, leaving Benson in a backup role for most of his rookie season. Then, when Conner suffered a season-ending right foot/ankle injury, it seemed like Benson might finally have an opportunity to shine. Instead, he started one game before suffering a season-ending knee injury of his own. Now, Conner is healthy again, and he's expected to occupy the lead-back role in 2026. New head coach Mike LaFleur also went out and signed Tyler Allgeier, who presumably will operate as the No. 2 running back, pushing Benson to third on the depth chart. Benson is still 23, so we're not completely out on him yet, but it seems like it will take either a lot of patience or a lot of teammate injuries before he has a chance to prove his fantasy relevance. He can be stashed at the end of your bench in most dynasty leagues, as there's really no motivation to buy or sell here.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (finger) was checked out by the team's medical staff in the eighth inning in Friday night's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks after clipping his left index finger on an opponent's jersey, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Guerrero ultimately stayed in the game, though, and manager John Schneider said he should be fine to play on Saturday in the desert in Game 2 of the series against the D-backs. The 27-year-old five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner went 1-for-4 at the plate with an RBI in Friday night's 6-3 loss, and he's hitting a strong .319/.427/.420 with a homer, eight RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base in his first 82 plate appearances of the 2026 season. Fantasy managers will want to check back later to see if Vladdy is in the starting lineup in Phoenix for a matchup with right-hander Zac Gallen.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon

April 18, 2026

Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (biceps) threw 64 pitches in 3 2/3 innings in a minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Thursday and reported feeling good on Friday, according to MLB.com. Boyd is on target to be activated from the 15-day injured list to start next Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran left-hander is recovering from a left-biceps strain that sent him to the IL on April 6. It's great news for a Cubs pitching staff that has been decimated by injuries early in the 2026 campaign. While it's good news for Chicago, fantasy managers who have Boyd rostered might want to keep him benched for a tough first matchup back against Philly. In his 3 2/3 innings on Thursday with Iowa, Boyd looked good, striking out six batters and walking one while throwing 64 total pitches. Boyd could be somewhat limited from a pitch-count perspective next week after he's reinstated, which is another reason to fade him as a fantasy play next week.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 18, 2026

The New York Mets announced on Saturday that they have placed infielder Jorge Polanco (wrist, Achilles) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 15) with a right-wrist contusion and recalled catcher Hayden Senger from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Polanco has been battling Achilles bursitis early in the 2026 season as well, but it's the wrist contusion that ended up landing him on the shelf. It's not a serious wrist injury, but it will also give Polanco a chance to rest his Achilles. It's another blow to a Mets team that just lost their ninth straight game to the Chicago Cubs on Friday at Wrigley Field. Polanco, 32, is off to a rough start in his first year with the Mets, as he's gone 10-for-56 (.179) at the plate with a homer, two RBI, and three runs scored through his first 14 games of the year. Until he's ready to return, MJ Melendez should see steady at-bats as the team's designated hitter with Juan Soto (calf) and Jared Young (knee) both on the IL as well.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Mets

April 18, 2026

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice is in the starting lineup and is batting fifth on Saturday against the visiting Kansas City Royals and left-hander Noah Cameron, per MLB.com. Rice will get his first chance to start against a southpaw in 2026 after veteran right-handed hitter Paul Goldschmidt drew into the lineup at first over Rice early on over Rice against lefties. The Yankees said in the offseason that they wanted Rice to get more exposure to lefties this year after his 2025 breakout. So far in 19 games this year, Rice has picked up where he left off, slashing .339/.459/.746 with a 1.205 OPS, six home runs, 16 RBI, 18 runs scored, and a stolen base in 74 plate appearances. He's gone 4-for-14 (.286) with a solo homer against lefties, too. To take the next step, Rice will need to be adequate in those tough lefty-lefty matchups, and he'll get his first starting chance against a southpaw on Saturday in the Bronx. Rice has never faced Cameron in his career.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 18, 2026

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman/outfielder Pavin Smith (elbow) had surgery on Thursday to remove bone chips from his left elbow that were causing inflammation, manager Torey Lovullo told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. There is no timetable for when Smith will return to the Diamondbacks roster, but with him now on the 60-day injured list, he won't be eligible to be reinstated until late May at the earliest. Smith hasn't played since the final game of the series in Los Angeles against the Dodgers in the first series of the regular season back in late March. Since Smith's injury, Jose Fernandez has seen most of the work at first base in Arizona, with Luken Baker and Ildemaro Vargas also filling in. Fernandez is the waiver-wire play in deeper fantasy baseball leagues for the time being, as the 22-year-old Venezuelan rookie is hitting a cool .302 (16-for-53) in the early going with two homers, nine RBI, nine runs scored, and a steal in 15 games played.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner

April 18, 2026

Kansas City Royals outfielder Isaac Collins (knee) is back in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the New York Yankees in the Bronx, serving as the designated hitter and batting seventh in the order against Yankees right-hander Wil Warren, according to MLB.com. Collins suffered a bruised right knee on Tuesday and missed three straight games before his return for Game 2 of the series in New York. The 28-year-old switch-hitter has played in 16 games so far in 2026 and has gone just 9-for-42 (.214) with a home run, four RBI, seven runs scored, six walks, and 15 strikeouts. Collins will be an easy fade for DFS lineups in his first game back against a pitcher he's never faced. In his first full MLB season in 2025 with the Milwaukee Brewers, Collins slashed .263/.368/.411 with a .779 OPS, nine home runs, 54 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and 56 runs scored in 441 plate appearances across 130 games played. In his last seven games, Collins has gone just 3-for-18 at the plate.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 18, 2026

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was one of the most fun stories heading into the 2025 season, and through the first month of his rookie campaign, the man known simply as "Bill" looked to be making good on all the preseason hype. Playing behind an above-average offensive line, Croskey-Merritt was able to churn out chunk plays at a league-leading level, averaging 11.6 fantasy points per game through Week 5 despite minimal usage in the passing game. Unfortunately, the big plays eventually dried up, and Croskey-Merritt finished the year as RB31, working in almost a true 50/50 split with Chris Rodriguez Jr. by the end of the season. The Commanders have since replaced Rodriguez with Rachaad White, which could be viewed as a win for Croskey-Merritt managers, as White's greatest contributions have come catching the ball, a market that Croskey-Merritt was never going to own. However, Washington is one of the teams picking in the top 10 of the upcoming NFL Draft that has been tied to Notre Dame prospect Jeremiyah Love. Should he become their pick on Day 1, Croskey-Merritt would be relegated to little more than change-of-pace duty. If the Commanders opt to go in a different direction, or if Love has already been selected by the time they're on the clock, Croskey-Merritt, who is currently RotoBaller's dynasty RB44, could still provide value as a low-end RB2 or flex play.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Athletics right-hander Joel Kuhnel has been excellent in the early portion of the 2026 season, as he's yet to allow an earned run or a walk and has given up just one hit over his first five appearances (4 2/3 innings) of the year. The 31-year-old right-hander appears to have settled into his team's primary closer role, as he's logged saves in three out of his last four outings. Kuhnel's rise to the ninth-inning role comes as a bit of a surprise, as he had recorded just one save across 93 2/3 career MLB innings entering 2026. Kuhnel also owns a career strikeout rate of 18.7%, so he does not possess the swing-and-miss stuff of a prototypical closer. Still, he's been effective in the role so far this season, and as such is worth targeting on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker had some usable fantasy moments and one week-winning performance in 2025, operating primarily as the third option in a top-loaded rotation. While some of the names have changed for 2026, Tucker's situation appears to be quite similar, with any fantasy relevance still tied to an injury ahead of him on the depth chart. His 140-yard, three-touchdown blowup in Week 11 came with Bucky Irving sidelined with foot and shoulder injuries and Rachaad White falling out of favor. White has since been replaced by Kenneth Gainwell, who will likely carve out the lion's share of the running back receiving work after banking a career-high 73 receptions with the Steelers in 2025. Irving, even while banged up and inefficient in his second season, still saw more than double Tucker's total carries while playing in five fewer games. With an expected return to health in 2026, that ratio could grow even more lopsided, leaving the 2023 undrafted free agent with very little standalone value.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy is off to an excellent start to the 2026 season, hitting .254/.338/.556 with six home runs, seven RBI, and 14 runs scored across his first 71 plate appearances. The 35-year-old owns a stellar 15.4% barrel rate and a ridiculous 59% hard-hit rate, which would be the best mark of his career over a full season by over seven percentage points. The lefty-swinging Muncy is still at risk of losing some playing time against same-handed pitching, which limits his fantasy upside. He's also currently striking out in 33.8% of his plate appearances and owns a career batting average of .230. Still, Muncy remains an elite source of power on a per-plate appearance basis. He's also posting a double-digit walk rate for the 10th consecutive season, which keeps his playing time and ability to score runs consistent even if he slumps at the plate. For fantasy managers looking for power on the waiver wire, Muncy is a high-end option.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Houston Astros right-hander Enyel De Los Santos has now earned saves in each of his last two appearances. The 30-year-old is off to a strong start to the 2026 season overall, recording a 1.35 ERA and 0.75 WHIP with six strikeouts across 6 2/3 innings pitched. While De Los Santos was off fantasy radars coming into the year, he could be emerging as the Astros' new preferred option in the ninth inning. Houston closer Josh Hader (biceps) was recently transferred to the 60-day injured list, meaning he will not be eligible to return from his current biceps injury until late May. Long-time Astros setup man Bryan Abreu got the first chance to fill in for Hader, but Abreu has struggled to a 14.73 ERA and a 30.2% walk rate across his first nine appearances (7 1/3 innings) of the season. De Los Santos entered 2026 with just three saves in over 300 career MLB innings, but he appears to have earned a chance to stick as the closer in Houston. As a result, he should be a waiver wire target for fantasy managers in desperate need of saves.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

After three years in the league in which he never caught a single pass, San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges seemingly came out of nowhere in 2025 in relief of the injured George Kittle. Kittle missed parts of six games with an early-season hamstring injury, and in those games, the 2022 undrafted free agent averaged 4.2 receptions for 37.3 yards while scoring three touchdowns and ranking as the fantasy TE11. With Kittle tearing his Achilles in the team's Wild Card win over the Eagles, and his availability in doubt for the beginning of the 2026 season, Tonges is once again a must-roster player in dynasty leagues, and of particular importance to Kittle's managers. While his 8.8-point per game pace over the best six-game stretch of his career still falls well below anything Kittle has done since his 2017 rookie season, Tonges' usage around the goal line offers enough value to dynasty managers simply looking to stay afloat at the position through the opening stretch of the season. His current status as RotoBaller's dynasty TE34 reflects his lack of standalone value once Kittle returns to full health.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (wrist, knee) suffered an injury scare after being involved in a collision while attempting to cover first base in his most recent appearance. Thankfully, Harrison was able to avoid a trip to the injured list and is in line to rejoin the Brewers' starting rotation on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers. The 24-year-old has been solid through his first three starts for Milwaukee, recording a 1-1 record with a 3.07 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts across 14 2/3 innings. Albeit in a small sample size, Harrison's strikeout rate is a career-high 25% while his walk rate is a career low 6.7%. The Brewers have a long history of helping pitchers reach their full potential, so Harrison could be on the verge of a breakout season in his first year with Milwaukee. In any leagues where he may have been dropped after getting injured, Harrison profiles as a worthy waiver-wire target.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

USC prospect Ja'Kobi Lane is a long, lean outside receiver who took more than 83% of his snaps on the boundary across his three seasons in Southern California. He tested well at the Combine, running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at 6'4" and 200 pounds, displaying the traits that have at least kept him in the late-Day 2 conversation throughout the pre-draft process despite his relatively lackluster collegiate production. He was never able to put together more than 525 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the same season, and his 1.95 career yards per route run land comfortably outside the top 20 in this class, though he played all three seasons alongside presumed first-round pick Makai Lemon, and he is one of only a handful of early-declare wide receivers in 2026. The biggest hurdle to Lane's success will be the physicality of the NFL game. His 33% career contested target rate ranked at the very top of the class, often indicating an inability to separate, and with such a slender frame, his already pedestrian 49% win rate on such throws is certain to take even more of a dip at the next level. Lane has a unique physical skill set and is ranked as RotoBaller's rookie WR13, but he will likely require a longer acclimation period than many of his peers if he's to ever reach a usable fantasy ceiling.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger had a miserable year in 2025, hitting .236 with 16 home runs across 376 plate appearances. However, the 30-year-old has been much better to open 2026, hitting .275/.298/.513 with five home runs, 17 RBI, and 10 runs scored across 84 plate appearances. Burger's 50.9% hard-hit rate is his best mark since 2021. He's also worked his way into an everyday role in the cleanup spot in the Rangers' lineup, putting him in a good spot to continue to rack up RBI. Burger's plate skills remain a question, as he's striking out in 28.6% of his plate appearances while walking at just a 2.4% clip. Still, as long as Burger continues making plenty of hard contact, he profiles as a power bat for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Even before signing a three-year, $27 million contract with the Washington Commanders, tight end Chig Okonkwo was a popular breakout candidate as he hit free agency after four promising seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Despite never finishing higher than TE22 in Half-PPR formats, Okonkwo's 4.52 speed and ability to gain yards after the catch are rare for the position, and many fantasy managers were banking on an improved situation where his skills could be put on display with regularity. He appears to have found that with the Commanders. When quarterback Jayden Daniels was fully healthy in 2024, his 78.2% on-target throw rate ranked 12th in the league as a rookie. Okonkwo never saw a quarterback finish inside the top 25 in that regard during his time in Tennessee, but he was still able to top 50 receptions in each of the last three seasons. The Commanders are expected to add pass-catchers in the upcoming NFL Draft, but as it currently stands, the talent gap between eight-year veteran Terry McLaurin and the rest of the room is notable, providing Okonkwo plenty of space to slide in as the secondary option in the passing game. He is currently TE20 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings, but it's extremely possible he is still being slept on.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak is off to a strong start to the 2026 season, hitting .261/.300/.630 with five home runs, nine RBI, seven runs scored, and one stolen base across his first 50 plate appearances of the season. So far, the 27-year-old is backing up the power breakout he experienced in 2025, when he hit 24 home runs in 461 plate appearances with the Rockies. The lefty-swinging Moniak is still seeing most of his playing time against right-handed starting pitching, which limits his overall counting stat upside. He's also striking out at a 26% clip, so his batting average could come down over the course of the season. Still, Moniak has proven he can be effective in a platoon role and should be rostered in most fantasy leagues.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball recorded 23 points (7-for-17 on field goals, 3-for-8 from three, and 6-for-6 on free throws), five assists, and two rebounds in 25 minutes during Friday's Play-In loss to Orlando, ending the Hornets' season. Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 28.0 minutes across 72 games, maintaining strong per-game production despite reduced minutes. His usage remains secure entering next season, with offense flowing through him. Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges should continue handling secondary scoring roles alongside Ball's playmaking.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA

April 18, 2026

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Jordan Goodwin recorded 19 points (7-for-11 on field goals, 4-for-7 from three, and 1-for-1 on free throws), nine rebounds, two assists, and six steals in 34 minutes during Friday's win over Golden State, helping Phoenix secure the West's eighth seed. Goodwin averaged 12.6 points, 3.0 three-pointers, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals over his last five games, showing multi-category upside. His defensive production and rebounding give him DFS value if minutes hold, though his role could shift if Grayson Allen (hamstring) returns. Devin Booker and Jalen Green continue to lead usage, limiting Goodwin's scoring ceiling.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA

April 18, 2026

Orlando Magic forward/center Paolo Banchero recorded 25 points (9-for-17 on field goals, 2-for-6 from three, and 5-for-8 on free throws), five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block in 33 minutes during Friday's Play-In win over Charlotte, sending Orlando into the playoffs as the East's eighth seed. Banchero averaged 20.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists over his last five games with a 30.7 usage rate, continuing to drive the offense. His all-around role keeps him firmly in play for DFS despite a tougher matchup against Detroit, while Franz Wagner should continue handling a steady secondary role.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA

April 18, 2026

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Jalen Green delivered 36 points (14-for-20 on field goals, 8-for-14 from three), six rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals in 40 minutes during Friday's win over Golden State, sending Phoenix into the playoffs as the West's eighth seed. Green has now scored at least 35 points in back-to-back games and is averaging 22.2 points over his last five outings. His scoring-heavy profile boosts his DFS ceiling, but a first-round matchup against Oklahoma City introduces efficiency risk. Devin Booker should continue sharing primary usage, while Dillon Brooks provides secondary wing support.--Brian Dailisan
Source: ESPN

April 18, 2026

Houston Rockets guard/forward Amen Thompson isn't listed on the injury report for Saturday's Game 1 against the Lakers after sitting out the regular-season finale. Thompson closed the season on a strong run, averaging 24.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.2 steals over his last five games while logging 38.1 minutes. His ability to contribute across categories makes him one of the more stable DFS options on the slate, with production not tied to shooting alone. Alperen Sengun remains the primary offensive hub, while Kevin Durant's (knee) status could influence Thompson's usage and scoring opportunities.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 18, 2026

Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. is not on the injury report for Saturday's Game 1 against the Lakers after sitting out the regular-season finale. Smith averaged 15.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers per game this season, and he enters the playoffs in strong form with 19.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 three-pointers over his last five outings in 33.6 minutes. His scoring remains tied to perimeter efficiency, making him a streaky DFS option. Alperen Sengun continues to command usage inside, while Tari Eason could absorb minutes if Smith cools.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 18, 2026

Houston Rockets forward/center Alperen Sengun isn't listed on the injury report for Saturday's Game 1 against the Lakers after sitting out the regular-season finale. Sengun averaged 17.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in 30.8 minutes over his last five games while posting a 26.7 usage rate, reinforcing his role as Houston's offensive hub. His multi-category production makes him a strong DFS anchor with a stable floor and ceiling combination. Clint Capela is expected to remain in a limited backup role, which should keep his minutes and overall production low.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 18, 2026

Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven (illness) practiced on Friday. He was situated between his usual linemates, Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake. Walt Ruff noted that nothing appeared out of the ordinary with Stankoven during practice. The 23-year-old was missing from Thursday's practice due to a minor illness. The center moved around the middle six a bit but found a home on the second line during the season. Stankoven is one of Carolina's hottest players going into Round 1 with 11 points in his previous eight contests. This means the second line and power play unit will be 100% for Saturday afternoon against the Ottawa Senators. --Chris Wassel - RotoBaller
Source: Walt Ruff